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WorldRiskReport 2016

Inadequate infrastructure pushes up the risk of disaster

Berlin, 25 August 2016 – Inadequate infrastructure and weak logistic chains substantially
increase the risk that an extreme natural event will become a disaster. This is a core finding of
the WorldRiskReport 2016, which Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft – Gemeinsam für Menschen in Not e.V. and
the Institute for Environment and Human Security at the United Nations University in cooperation
with the University of Stuttgart presented today in Berlin.

“When it comes to aid measures following extreme natural events, the challenges mostly lie in
the ‘last mile’ of the logistics chain: organizing transportation despite destroyed streets or
bridges and ensuring fair distribution when there is a shortage of for example water, food and
shelter,” explains Peter Mucke, Project Director of the WorldRiskReport and Managing Director of
Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft. “Crumbling transport routes, unreliable electricity grids and
dilapidated buildings not only hinder humanitarian aid from overseas, but also delay crucial aid
for those affected in the event of a disaster.”

“The international community must invest more in the development and maintenance of critical
infrastructure even before disasters occur,” says Dr. Matthias Garschagen, Scientific Director for
the report and Lead Scientist at the Institute for Environment and Human Security at the United
Nations University (UNU-EHS). “Sufficient, high-quality infrastructure, which is well-managed
institutionally, can not only prevent the often catastrophic consequences of natural hazards such
as flooding or storms, but it can also play a crucial role in the distribution of humanitarian aid
supplies in the event of a disaster. Critical infrastructure can thus reduce the risk of natural
hazards for populations and it can mitigate economic losses.”

Dr. Iris Menn, Programme Director at Bündnis member Christoffel-Blindenmission (CBM), emphasizes
the growing importance of locally organized humanitarian aid: “Actors on site, for instance civil
society and church organizations, are often fully familiar with the local, cultural situation and
know the people who most urgently require assistance. They are the first ones who can take action
in the event of a disaster and they are also there when international aid organizations leave
again.”

An important part of the report is the WorldRiskIndex, which was calculated by the Institute of
Spatial and Regional Planning at the University of Stuttgart (IREUS). The index assesses the risk
of disaster in 171 countries through the combined analysis of natural hazards and societal
vulnerabilities. The island state of Vanuatu once again displays the greatest risk in 2016. Germany
is ranked number 147. “Societal factors, such as nutrition, medical services and governance, decide
to a large extent whether a natural hazard becomes a disaster,” says Dr. Torsten Welle, Senior
Scientist at IREUS. “But through targeted interventions the impacts of disasters can be reduced and
important lessons can be learned from recognized weaknesses.”

Bread for the World, Christoffel-Blindenmission, Kindernothilfe, medico international,
Misereor, terre des hommes, Welthungerhilfe and the associated members Deutsche Lepra- und
Tuberkulosehilfe, German Doctors and Plan International provide as Bündnis Entwicklung Hilft acute
and long-term assistance in disasters and in crisis regions.

The Institute for Environment and Human Security at the United Nations University (UNU-EHS)
looks at risk and vulnerability aspects of human security and the consequences of complex natural
hazards and global change.

The Institute o of Spatial and Regional Planning at the University of Stuttgart (IREUS) stands
for a research and teaching agenda that aims to enhance disaster risk reduction, sustainability and
resilience in spatial and infrastructure development.